Free Web NovelChapter 142: Chapter 142 Shoulder Throw
Sylvia’s POV
The moment that familiar female voice cut through the crowd, I watched Zane’s shoulders stiffen. A visible chill seemed to run up his spine as his head snapped toward the sound.
The crowd followed his gaze, their attention shifting to Chloe who stood at the edge of the gathering. With her delicate features and vulnerable expression—the perfect picture of a wounded mate—she made quite the impression. I could practically feel public opinion shifting again as people realized what was happening.
So much for Zane being the devoted ex-boyfriend making a grand romantic gesture.
Zane shot me a quick, panicked glance. I maintained my amused expression, enjoying watching his carefully orchestrated spectacle crumble. My wolf purred with satisfaction inside me.
He rushed to Chloe’s side, whispering urgently: "What are you doing here?"
"Am I not allowed to come?" Chloe asked loudly enough for everyone to hear, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she looked past him toward me. "If I hadn’t shown up, would you be rekindling your old flame with her right now?"
Zane growled under his breath, "What are you talking about? You know damn well how I treat you every day. How can you even think that?"
His voice dropped lower as he continued, "Did someone put these ideas in your head? Listen to me—go home now. I’ll explain everything later. You’re the only one I love, don’t overthink this."
As he spoke, he began physically pushing Chloe toward the exit, desperate to remove her from the scene.
"Do you really mean that?" Chloe asked with exaggerated innocence, though I could sense her distrust. She knew as well as I did that Zane only ever acted in his own self-interest. His words were merely a stalling tactic.
The crowd looked utterly confused, heads swiveling between me, then back to the struggling couple. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
I maintained my composed expression throughout, a slight smile playing on my lips that never quite reached my eyes.
"Mr. Thorne," I called out, crossing my arms casually. "Since your actual mate has come to collect you, perhaps you should gather your ridiculous props and stop blocking the entrance to Frostline Enterprises."
I shifted my weight to one hip, deliberately projecting an air of boredom. "The Thorne Pack might have no dignity left, especially after producing someone like you, but Frostline has standards to uphold."
My voice hardened as I added, "If you don’t clear out immediately, I’m calling the police."
Zane’s grip tightened reflexively on Chloe’s arm until she winced in pain, snapping him back to awareness. He gave her a placating look before approaching me again.
"Sylvia, please don’t be like this," he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "She’s leaving right now, I swear."
The phrase "she’s leaving right now" carried a double meaning only Zane and I would understand. It was exactly what he’d told me three years ago when Chloe, his long-lost "true mate," had reappeared in his life. In that moment, I’d become nothing more than a placeholder—a joke.
I couldn’t help but laugh internally. How had it taken me so long to see Zane for who he truly was? Had I been so blinded by what I thought was love that I’d ignored every red flag? Looking at him now, I questioned whether he was even the same person I’d once fallen for.
"Sylvia, if you’d just listen—" Zane reached for my hand.
Without hesitation, I executed a perfect shoulder throw, flipping him onto his back on the concrete.
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Even Chloe stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.
My wolf preened with satisfaction as I watched realization dawn in Chloe’s eyes.
Zane lay stunned on the pavement, staring up at the bright blue sky. The moment someone in the crowd snickered, his face flushed deep red as humiliation set in. He’d just been physically overpowered by a woman in front of dozens of witnesses and news cameras.
"Are you going to behave now?" I asked, my lips curving into a cold smile as I looked down at him like he was something unpleasant stuck to my shoe. "Your lover shows up, and you’re still trying to put on this pathetic display? Have you no shame?"
I tilted my head, voice dripping with mock curiosity. "Or is this some progressive relationship approach? Are you campaigning for two mates now?"
Zane remained on the ground, seemingly unable to formulate a response. He looked like a television with its power suddenly cut—blank and useless.
Eventually, one of the journalists helped him to his feet. "Are you alright, sir?"
Once upright, Zane’s complexion gradually returned to normal. He waved dismissively, trying to save face. "I’m fine, really."
"It’s okay, Sylvia," he said, taking two steps toward me despite what had just happened. "If it makes you feel better to throw me around, I’ll take it. Whatever helps you process your anger about her."
His persistence was becoming problematic. I’d been amused, but now I was getting irritated.
"Enough," I snapped. "Do I need to bring out the itemized list from before?"
The threat landed perfectly. Zane’s fake smile froze on his face.
Seeing recognition in his eyes, my smile widened. Sometimes people needed a little reminder of their past mistakes to understand their proper place.
Cold sweat beaded on Zane’s forehead as he shifted uncomfortably. "Sylvia, let’s not go there..."
"Why not?" I replied, my tone growing increasingly dismissive. "We have the perfect audience right here to witness everything."
I could see Zane’s pride crumbling as he realized he was cornered. "I just remembered I have an appointment," he mumbled, backing away. "Sylvia, I’ll find you another time—I mean, whenever you’re free."
He quickly corrected himself when he caught my threatening glare, no longer daring to suggest he’d come looking for me again.
Only when I gave him a satisfied nod did he finally retreat, practically dragging Chloe away with him.
My wolf howled with triumph inside me. This round definitely went to us.
